LOWELL -- Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, the city's longest serving mayor, will speak at UMass Lowell on Monday, Oct. 21, reflecting on his three-decade career in public service as part of the university's Lunchtime Lecture series.

The free event is open to the public and will take place at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center at 11:45 a.m.

Menino announced earlier this year that he will not seek a sixth term, giving the city its first open mayoral election in 20 years. He was elected in 1993, after five terms representing Boston's Hyde Park neighborhood on the City Council.

The release said Menino is best-known for "his work strengthening the fabric of Boston's many neighborhoods." Reservations are required by Monday, Oct. 7, and may be made by emailing artsandideas@uml.edu or calling 978-934-3107.